January 14, 2009

JIM MATTHEWS’

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. There continues to be a good largemouth bass and crappie bite at Casitas Lake, especially for anglers who have been able to dip a few live shad for bait. Bass to 10 1/2 pounds and crappie to over three pounds have been reported over the past week, most on shad. Even the catfish are getting in on the shad frenzy with cats as likely as bass on these baits. Remember, private boats are again being allowed at Casitas, but boaters must have the boat inspected and face a 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussels. Rental boats are available. For an update on the bite and information on boat launching, call the marina at 805-649-2043.
2. If you want to fish for big, hatchery rainbows, put these lakes’ names in a hat -- Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, Hesperia Lake, and Corona Lake -- and draw a name out and go. The action has been good at all four thanks to heavy weekly plants and all of them are producing a decent number of trophy rainbows over 10 pounds. If the San Bernardino County Park Lakes all keep producing double digit trout like they have been this season, we’re going to have to start adding Yucaipa, Glen Helen, and Prado park lakes into the mix. And the county park lakes are a few bucks cheaper than the other four. There aren’t too many planted trout waters where you can go wrong right now. So planted trout are the No. 2 pick. Pick a spot and go.
3. With the balmy weather, head down to San Diego and go out on a twilight trip out of Seaforth Sportfishing and catch some giant squid to 30 pounds or more. Trips have been averaging at least a couple of squid per rod. Bring old clothes and rain gear because you’ll get drenched with squirted ink, but it’s a unique, fun experience. Rental gear is available. And then there’s the calamari afterward. Check with Seaforth Sportfishing at 619-224-3383 for an update.

 

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Little change on this front. This is the peak of the planted trout season across Southern California, and most waters have cleared since recent rains and fishing very well. Top bets include the usual, heavily planted waters, including Corona Lake, Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Laguna Niguel. All of the San Bernardino County park lakes, but especially Prado Park Lake and Yucaipa Park Lake, are good bets thanks to weekly plants. In the High Desert, Hesperia Lake, Jess Ranch, and Mojave Narrows are all good bets. In San Diego County, Dixon, Wohlford, Poway, Jennings, Miramar, Lower Otay, Murray, and Cayamaca are all pretty good bets.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: There is slow to fair winter bass action across the region. Casitas is a top bet, especially if you can net some shad for bait, with fish to 10-8 pounds this week. Diamond Valley Lake slowed, but it is still worth fishing, especially if you have a portable fish finder and get a rental boat. Perris, Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, Wohlford, El Capitan, and Poway can always produce a decent fish this time of year. Very light bass pressure everywhere. There’s also a decent smallmouth bass bite on the lower Colorado River from Havasu to Palo Verde.
STRIPED BASS: Oddly, the bites slowed over the full moon, so blame high winds. Bites to watch this week include Diamond Valley, Skinner, Pyramid, Castaic, and Silverwood. All five have been fairly consistent on smaller fish with a few bigger fish showing from Castaic and DVL. No more stripers reported from Perris, but it’s is still worth noting that it cranked out several fish from 12 to 22-plus pounds three weeks ago. On the Colorado River, there is a slow to fair bite at Mead on smaller fish to three pounds. Havasu is also slow to fair on smaller fish, too.
PANFISH: Top bet for bluegill and redear is Lopez Lake but that bite is just fair. The Perris and Diamond Valley bites have sputtered but that might be more to light fishing pressure and winds than off action. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but Elsinore remains a fair bet on fish a pound and under. The Perris bite is still sputtering.
CATFISH: The late winter catfish bite has been mostly slow but a few quality fish are showing each week. Top bets included Diamond Valley, El Capitan, Casitas, Silverwood, Otay, and Hesperia Lake (where there’s also a good shot at a sturgeon). Henshaw and Isabella also remain fair to good bets for a stringer of smaller fish. The lower Colorado River and river backwater, ditches, and canals have been fair for channel cats, but very light fishing pressure.

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: The trout bite perked this week with very good action reported by those fishing off the docks, near the marina, and the Chemise area. There was also a DFG plant this week. Bobby Ventura, Victorville, caught four trout, including a 2 1/4-pounder on worms off Cleghorn Beach. Amy Morales, Buena Park, caught a limit of trout totaling 10-8, top fish was three-pounds, all on worms in Miller’s. Spotty largemouth bass action, but James Patterson, Ontario, caught a caught a 5 1/4-pound largemouth bass on an AC Plug in Outhouse Cove. Striper bite good on anchovies or small swim baits but most fish are small, under four pounds. Catfish bite remains fair on mackerel or nightcrawlers. All other species slow. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Light fishing pressure. All the lake’s marinas and public ramps are closed for the season and will reopen in early this spring. Trout fishing has been fair for shore anglers fishing the Stanfield Cutoff region and at the dam with floating baits and inflated nightcrawlers. Other species slow. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: No reports. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake facilities are closed and no fishing fee is being charged. The boat house and store will reopen on May 14, 2009. Anglers can still fish but little action now. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No reports.
JENKS LAKE: No reports. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Trout and catfish are both good with anglers reporting quality fish for both species. Trout action best off the north shore and in the inlet on Power Bait, Lip RipperZ worms and Thomas Buoyants. Cheynne Woodruff, Barstow, caught a 12 3/4-pound trout on a crappie jig at Sandy Point. Joe Martin, Victortville, caught a 10-8 trout off the north shore. Billy Thomas, Phelan, pulled out a 10-8 trout. Nathan Spurlock, Hesperia, landed an eight-pound trout on nightcrawlers. Carlos Rodriguez, San Bernardino, caught a 6-8 trout on meal worms. John Perez, Victorville, caught a six-pound trout off the east bank. Just a fair sturgeon bite. Patrick Crowley, Alta Loma, caught a 15-8 blue catfish on mackerel off catfish point. Sam Gutierrez, Oak Hills, 12-8 channel catfish off the north shore. Jerry Barnes, Redlands, caught a 30-pound sturgeon in the finger. Matt Johnson, Rialto, caught a 17-pound sturgeon on nightcrawlers at the drain. The catfish bite improved this week to very good on shrimp, mackerel or nightcrawlers dipped in garlic. Trout plants are twice a week. A 3,000-pound sturgeon plant went in mid-November. Day session hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Fair to good trout bite on both lakes with anglers using Power Bait (chartreuse, spring green or salmon peach), nightcrawlers. jigs and lures to catch limits. Good size trout were reported from most with fish from two to three pounds. Hot spots include the eastern shore from the log to the pump house and the grassy point of lake 3 as well as the northern and eastern shores of lake 2. Kurt Kaihara, 9, Fullerton, caught a 9-13 rainbow. William Torres, El Monte, pulled out a 7-6 rainbow. Jason Ocull, Phelan, pulled out 5-2 and 6-14 rainbows. George Frasier, Apple Valley, landed 5-6 and 6-6. Robert Omohundro, Fullerton, caught a five-pound rainbow on a Panther Martin. LLoyd Harrison, Riverside, pulled out a limit totaling 13-14. Bob Tasco, Green Valley Lake, caught a 5-12 rainbow. Rey Huerta Jr., Fontana, pulled out 3-14 and 4-10 rainbow trout. The lake’s hatchery stocks every Friday. The lake is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lakes will be open regular hours throughout the holidays. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: County trout plants are weekly through April. DFG trout last week. Anglers have reported fair to good trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Slow other species. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, March 14. Information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair to good trout action. County trout plants are weekly through April, and there was also a DFG trout plant last week. Fair catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, April 4. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Good to excellent trout action in Basin 2 and there continues to be a lot of quality fish in the county plants. County trout plants are each week through April, and there was a DFG plant last week. Top fish reported this past week was a 5 1/2-pound rainbow landed by Donald Gregoroff, Diamond Bar, at Lot No. 8 on chartreuse Power Bait. Tim Heng, Long Beach, had three trout to five pounds at Lot No. 1, while Mike shintani, Riverside, caught rainbows at four and three pounds on jigs at the dam. The catfish bite has also been fair at the spillway on cut baits. Victor Hernandez, Rialto, had four cats to three pounds, while Luis Leon, Rialto, also had four cats to 3 1/2 pounds. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, February 21. The derby fee is $15 and $7 for daily parking. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Good to excellent trout action and a lot of quality fish continue to be caught. County plants are weekly through April, and a DFG trout plant went in this week. Top rainbow this past week was an 11 1/2-pounder caught by Angel Fasso, Moreno Valley on Power Bait from the bottom lake. Nina Cooper, Banning, landed a 10 1/2-pounder fishing a white tube jig from the top lake on four-pound test. Bob Stevenson, San Bernardino, and Ken Douglass, Bloomington, each caught rainbows at 9 1/2 pounds. Information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Very good to excellent trout action and the bonus big fish planted for the weekend trout derby showed up in force. Alex Valenzuela, Los Angeles, pulled out 8-9 and 12-8 trout and the first place finish for the derby, including a $500 gift card. Gary Rodriguez, San Bernardino, came in second with a 10-11. Richard Rivas, Fontana, was third with a 10-9 trout, while Cody Barker, Bloomington, was fourth with a 10-3. Mike Marquez, Beaumont, had a 10-pounder for fifth place. There were a lot of other trout from six to nine pounds caught on Saturday during the derby. Since the derby, Ray Herrera, Pico Rivera, caught a 9-8 rainbow to top off his three-fish stringer. Ron Young, Rialto, landed a 6.2-pounder on a jig. County trout plants are weekly through April, and there was also a DFG trout plant this week. Slow catfish bite. Information: 909-887-7540.
MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are open every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing license is needed. Information: 909-982-4246.
SECCOMBE LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Bass action slow to fair. Decreasing surface temps have driven bass to deeper water with some decent catches reported between 40 and 50 feet on ice jigs, Carolina-rigged plastics, and underspins. A few random bass have been caught near surface on swimbaits, but most reports have come from deep. Trout bite fair to good with some decent catches on nightcrawlers, Kastmasters, mini jigs, Power Bait or trout worms. The east dam, and the third cove to the right of the marina are the current hot trout spots. Catfish action isn’t the main focus for anglers, but some have reported fair to good action with fish over 10 pounds on their stringers. The high pressure has shut down the striper bite, too, with very few of the quality fish showing on the small, shad-like swim baits. The launch ramp remains closed due to low water levels. Lake information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Trout bite good on light-colored Power Bait with fish from 1-8 to two pounds, and some better. Sail Cove is the hot spot for the trout. Fair to good bass action, too, with fish reported on spinnerbaits and plastic worms off the island and the points in the coves. Lorenzo Martinez, Moreno Valley, caught a four-pound bass on nightcrawlers at the marina. The redear, bluegill and crappie bite has started to come back on for anglers fishing small jigs in the marina. DFG trout plant this week. A DFG trout survey is ongoing. A percentage of each DFG trout plant will have non-reward and reward tags attached on some one to four-pound rainbows from the load. The tags will look like green spaghetti noodles attached right below the dorsal fin. Reward signs indicating information where to return the tags are posted around the launch ramps, marina and lake entrance. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Good trout bite on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. The best bite is off Ramp 2 and the North Shore. DFG trout plant this week. Mike Araham, Banning, caught two trout totaling 11 pounds, his top fish was a seven-pounder on nightcrawlers. Bud parker, Murrieta, caught two trout for four pounds, top fish was a 2-8 on nightcrawlers off Launch Ramp 2. The striper bite is also very good with fish reported on spinnerbaits and topwater baits in the morning hours. Trout-like swimbaits have also been attracting the stripers. Greg Olivas, Corona, pulled out two stripers totaling seven pounds with a 4-5 big fish on anchovies in the inlet. All other species slow. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Very light fishing pressure and slow to fair action on crappie and catfish. A few largemouths are showing on plastics and small swim baits. The lake received a nice load of four to six-inch wipers (hybrid striped bass) Wednesday this week, about 18,000 fish, and although the fish are small, they are expected to reach the 18-inch minimum size by next spring. Information: Seaport Boat Launch at 951-245-9308.
CORONA LAKE: With the lakes a full pool and water flowing over the spillway, the action has been excellent over the past week thanks to heavy weekly plants alternating between the Nebraska Tailwalkers and the famous Mt. Lassen Trout Farms rainbows. And each week a few of the huge trophy Mt. Lassen trout are caught. The big one this past week was a 20 1/2-pounder caught by Ross Ashman of Chino Hills while fishing orange Nitro Bait at the dam. The staple are hefty five-fish stringers of trout, most holding at least one or two fish in the three to eight-pound class. The best action is for boaters fishing mid-lake waters, but shore anglers are also landing fish around much of the lake. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant one month ago. Fair trout bite with anglers reporting the best action on nightcrawlers and worms. Catfish action is slow on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite on worms or plastics.
RANCHO JURUPA: Good trout bite with a DFG plant three weeks ago, and a county plant due this week. Lots of limits reported with trout to two pounds or better. Best action on small trout plastics and garlic, rainbow, and corn Power Bait. Top trout reported was a 5-6 rainbow landed by Francisco Mendez, San Bernardino, while Blair Bogens, Riverside, caught a 5-4 trout. Matt Lopez, Riverside, had four rainbows to 4-11 fishing jigs, while David Goraleski, Riverside, landed a limit of trout on Panther Martins with a 3-13 his top fish. Other species are slow with a few cats. Upcoming events: Annual trout derby scheduled for January 24. Entry fee is $10 in advance, $12 day of event. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair trout bite. Fair to good catfish bite from both lakes, with times of better action in the evenings through dusk. Top baits are shrimp, mackerel or DuMong’s. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: Trout plants are every other week. Trout bite fair on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Fair to good catfish action on nightcrawlers or shrimp. The lake’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 951-654-7906 or www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Trout season is in full swing, with a good to excellent bite. Power Bait (in all colors) and nightcrawlers are the most talked about trout baits here. Trout are planted twice a month with double loads. Plant last week. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on all Monday holidays. The lake will be open New Year’s Eve and day. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Light fishing pressure with the winds this past week, but the trout action remains fair from both boat and shore. Terry Schumacher, Anza, landed three trout to three pounds on Power Bait from the shore in the marina area. No DFG plants in over a month. Lake open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground 951-659-2680.
FULMOR LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 951-659-2117.

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: There will be a bonus plant of the popular Nebraska Tailwalker rainbows for the 24-hour fishing over the three-day Martin Luther King holiday weekend. The bonus fish are being planted in addition to the regular stock of fish from Nebraska. With the clearing water conditions, the action has been good over the past week. Top fish was a 21-pound rainbow landed by Frank Bin of La Crescenta while fishing with orange Nitro Dough near the boat dock. Lots of limits. Al Davenport of Compton caught a 15-4 five-trout limit topped by a 6-12 rainbow. George Perez, Paramount, landed five trout that weighed 20 pounds and his big fish was also a 6 3/4-pounder. Robert Vega or Orange landed a seven-pound rainbow to top off his 17-12 limit, while Bill Nelson, Garden Grove, had a five-fish limit that weighed 21 1/2 pounds, including a six-pounder. Top baits have been chartreuse and orange Nitro and Power floating dough baits, but inflated nightcrawlers doused with scent continue to take a lot of nice trout at the Bubble Hole, LaPalma Point, Levitz’ Corner, and Chris Pond. Information: 714-632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE LAKE: Tougher conditions this week due to high winds. Shoreline bait anglers and trollers were both successful with fair to good action at times. Power Mouse, Power Bait, or firetiger-colored Rapalas best. Good catches were reported off the west shore, near Trout Island, off the Santiago Flats, in Sierra Cove, and near the docks and dam. Most trout are from one to five pounds, with some six to eight pounders improving stringers. Gary Johnson of Long Beach, caught 13-8 rainbow trout on a Rapala at Rocky Point. Mike Traut, Costa Mesa, landed a 12-2 rainbow. Ian Kresminski, Costa Mesa, pulled out an 8-8 rainbow trout on salmon eggs. Upcoming events: Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Trout bite good to excellent with many limits reported. A 1,000-pound steelhead plant went early this week. Hot spots for the trout are off the point, in the flats, at the entrance of the inlet and near launch ramp and near the concession. Top baits are chartreuse or orange Power Bait, red, white and blue Gulp, inflated nightcrawlers or LipRipperZ lures. Slow to fair bass bite on drop-shotted plastic worms in dark colors in the inlet. Crappie and bluegill in the 1/2-pound range have been reported on nightcrawlers or crappie jigs but the bite is tough. Catfish are still showing up. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or www.lagunaniguellake.com.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: Slow to fair trout action. DFG planted trout three weeks ago. Trollers have reported the best bite on Rapalas with a 1-8 to two-pound average for fish pulled out. Catfish action fair in the narrows on mackerel or nightcrawlers with most fish from three to 10 pounds. Crappie and redear bite fair in 30 feet on nightcrawlers or small jigs. Bass bite slow to fair, some fish reported from deep by trout anglers. For quagga mussel and the new boat launching information, log on at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html. Fishing information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: Fair to good bass action on on swimbaits or shad with fish from six to 10 pounds reported. Todd Thigpin, Santa Paula, caught six fish ranging from 6-8 to 10-8. Ed Ernest, Ventura, pulled out a nine-pound bass on shad. Pikes Riley, 5, Santa Barbara, caught a 1-8 bass on red worms, his first fish. Trout plant went in last week. The catfish bite is just as good with fish being caught on shad. Mary Odell, Moorepark, pulled out an 11 3/4-pound catfish, and Mike Kana, Camarillo, landed eight and 12-pounders. Crappie action slowed from last week, but the bite is still fair for some on shad. Rick Cloyd, Santa Clarita, caught three crappie totaling 9-8. Private boats are again being allowed at Casitas, but boaters will face an inspection and 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussel infestation. The lake is open every day, including all holidays from dusk to dawn. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Continued light fishing pressure and high winds kept the bite down. Some largemouth bass to three pounds have been reported off the main and west ramps. Some early morning surface action from 7 to 10:30 a.m. but very spotty and no big fish reported. Striper bite slow. Good trout action with some rainbows to two pounds showing from off the west ramp of the upper lake. No reports from the lower lake. DFG plant again this week. Other species are very slow. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: DFG trout plant two weeks ago, and the bite is on the slow to fair side. Top baits include Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of trout worm. Slow to fair crappie action on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound. Slowish bass action, but some are still reporting a few fish to two pounds on plastic worms. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Action fair for stripers to five pounds on anchovies or nightcrawler. Shad-like swimbaits and cranks are also good producers. Down below the gatehouse is the best area for stripers. Largemouth and smallmouth bites improved over the weekend on plastics and swimbaits. Some catfish reported in the channels on nightcrawlers, mackerel or shrimp. No bluegill reports. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Fair catfish bite on pieces of mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits, and live worms. The fish are deep. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant last week. The bite is picking up with some reported catches on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Catfish bite still fair, but good action later in the day on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. Fairish bluegill bite on wax worms and nightcrawlers from 5 p.m. to dusk. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair catfish action on Power Bait and mackerel dipped in attractant. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Closed for the season. The lake will reopen next spring. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Hodges is now closed until February. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Much improved bass and crappie action. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays rentals stop at 10 a.m. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: No report. DFG trout plant one month ago. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: No report. DFG trout plant this week. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, but anglers may walk in to fish during lake hours. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
MURRAY: No individual catch reports. DFG trout plant last week. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Boat rentals are available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: DFG trout plant last week. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: Closed for fishing until spring. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: A 1,500-pound trout plant went in last week with another one set to go in Wednesday. Trout fishing is good with good-sized fish from two to four pounds or better pulled out. The bite is best after 11 a.m. every day with Willow Cove and Boat Dock Cove being the most productive. Santana, Vista, caught a 4-8 trout near Crappie Rock. A number of other trout in the three-pound range were also pulled out. Channel catfish have been bitting cut mackerel, shrimp, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers near the South Shore Rock Pile and in Oakvale Cove. Robert McCalmont, Fallbrook, caught a 3-3 catfish in Boat Dock Cove on a nightcrawler. Hayden Heck, Valley Center, pulled out a 2-9 catfish on chartreuse Power Bait in the same spot. Bass action is sluggish with the occasional fish pulled out in the rocky outcroppings. New rental boats are available for rent at the lake. They rent for $46 for all day. There is a temporary ban on private boat launching, including canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to the threat of quagga mussels. Rental boats are available. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant one month ago
DIXON LAKE: Good trout bite reported from Whisker Bay and Trout Cove on rainbow colored Power Bait, small green mini-jigs, Kastmasters and Thomas Buoyants. Plant went in three weeks ago. A daily permit is required for entry. The Fishing Pier No. 1 remains closed until further notice. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: A 1,500-pound plant of rainbows went in last week and the trout bite remains excellent. Another 1,500-pound load is due Wednesday. There were not as many limits this week but many people are catching big Nebraska rainbows in the five-pound range, with some bigger. The best bet is slow trolling along the back shore of the lake on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Best lures are gold Kastmasters or Fire Tiger Rapalas. The bass bite is fair over most of the Lake. The catfish bite has slowed down with the Log Boom being the best area to fish. Catfish are also biting in Boulder Bay and off Jump Off Point. The bluegill bite is fair in Hidden Bay. Float tubes, private motors and anchors, and live bait are banned at the lake due to potential quagga mussel contamination. Upcoming events: Youth fishing derby set for Saturday, Feb. 7 from 6 a.m. to noon. Youth 15 and under are welcome. Derby information www.poway.org. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Fair to good bass bite in deeper water off the points. Trout bite fair in Sentry or Shadow Cove on inflated nightcrawlers dipped in scent and fished on a four-foot leader. Catfish bite fair in the backs of the coves, especially by the dam and buoy line. Shrimp and crawlers are top choices for the cats, especially when dipped in scent. A Mt. Lassen plant of 1,000 pounds went a few weeks ago. The lake is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Upcoming events: Free fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Trout bite good on Kastmasters. A plant of 2,600 pounds of rainbows went in last week. Limits and good-sized trout from two to three pounds have been caught on nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Kastmasters or spinners. Bass bite still slow, but a few have been reported on crawdad-colored jigs or shiners. Rowboats and motorboats are available to rent Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 6 a.m. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: Trout plant by the DFG last week. Best action on Power Bait and inflated nightcrawlers. Private boats are allowed on the lake again, but the boats must be sprayed for quagga mussels by a high-pressure heated wash prior to entering the lake. The cost is $10 for the spraying and it lasts for multiple trips to Cuyamaca as long as the boat is not used in another reservoir. The decontamination wash down station is for all craft and items used in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float tubes and waders. Winter hours will start Dec. 1 with tackle shop hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Catfish bite fair on nightcrawlers or shrimp. Fair crappie bite on minnows. Plenty of crappie to one pound have been caught off the docks recently. The lake is open from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. the other five days of the week. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: Fair to good small stripers, from eight to 10 inches, and catfish are the most active in the Vegas Wash area. The better action has been reported in the afternoons. The best stripers have come from 40 feet deep to those fishing with anchovies. The stripers are also chasing the shad in Gypsum Wash and near the Boulder Bay pier with some better action reported in these areas. The night catfish bite is fair to good for anglers using lights and then fishing anchovies. No largemouth or trout reports.
WILLOW BEACH: Trout action has slowed with a few fish still showing, but there is very light fishing pressure. Stripers slow. No recent plants. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Striper bite slow to fair with the best action on nightcrawlers or anchovies. Anglers haven’t been able to catch the shad, which had been the bait for the best action in the past. Most fish are small, under three pounds. Slow to fair action on bluegill and largemouth bass in 10 to 15 feet in submerged trees and brush. The largemouth are best on plastics and the bluegill are taking crickets and worms. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Trout plants are bi-weekly through the winter. Fair to good action Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Slow striper bite.
NEEDLES: Striper action slow to fair with only small fish landed downriver in the Topoc area. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bite. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Water levels are lowering. Take caution when launching. Fair catfish bite. Fair largemouth bass action on Senkos or swimbaits. Slow crappie bite, but that should change soon. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Striper bite fair with the best bite in the early morning around the reefs and points with fish to four pounds. Anchovies and jigs have been the top producers. Fair smallmouth and largemouth bass. The fish are 13 inches and up. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Fair catfish and flathead action with some to 10 pounds or better on shrimp, nightcrawlers dipped in stink and mackerel. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Fair bass action in the main river for smallmouths and in the ditches and backwaters for largemouth, with some fish to four pounds and bigger reported this week. Flathead bite fair with some fish to 15 pounds reported. Bluegill bite slow to fair in most backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Fair to good bass bite, especially for the smallies, on plastic worms. Also improving action on small stripers in the river with fish to five pounds reported. Fair flathead action but very light fishing pressure. Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fair catfish bite on mackerel. Not too many fish reported over three pounds, however. Bass action slow to fair with some action on plastic worms or nightcrawlers.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Largemouth bass action slow to fair on cranks, spinnerbaits and plastics. Channel catfish bite fair, and the crappie bite is slow to fair on small live minnows. A few flatheads are showing in the main river, too, but the action is spotty. Information: 928-783-9589 or www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal area in East Yuma continues to be the best fishing spot. Fair to good channel catfish action, and just a fair redear, and bluegill bite. Catfish taking mackerel or shrimp, and redear and bluegill biting worms in the river and backwaters. The flatheads have been fair in the main river, mostly on live bluegill.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: No report. Check on the action with the state park staff before you go. Information: Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052. Weather information: 760-352-3360, Coachella Valley Water District's weather forecast 760-398-7211. Anglers fishing the sea use Citizen Band (CB) radios and tune to channel one.
ALAMO RIVER: No reports.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but some channel cats and the odd bass has been reported. Also some stripers.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: No recent plants.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

GENERAL: General trout season is closed, but year-around and special regulation waters remain open. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405, or www.bishopvisitor.com.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: East Walker River remains tough with low flows and freezing temperatures. Information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com.
MAMMOTH AREA: The upper Owens River and Hot Creek are open to year-around fishing. Improved action in the upper Owens along the bank. When temps rise, above 45, the midges emerge. The section below the hatchery at Hot Creek is good for those midging. For fishing info, call The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181 or www.performanceanglers.com.
BISHOP AREA: Only Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the Owens River gorge, and lower Owens River remain open to anglers. The Wild Trout stretch of the Owens has been fair to good with low flows and a decent mid-day dry fly bite. DFG plant at Pleasant Valley last week. For fishing information: Culver's 760-872- 8361, Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Only the lower Owens and Diaz Lake remain open and fishing has been slow at both. Lower Owens planted with trout two weeks ago. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Crappie bite fair to good on small minnows. Good trout bite by the auxiliary dam on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. DFG trout plant this week. Occasional bass on jigs and spoons. Rusty Mayall, nine-pound bass on a jig. Also pretty decent action on catfish for anglers fishing near the dam with minnows. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for April 4,5, and 6. A number of tagged trout worth big cash will be planted for the event. Applications are available at http://derby.kernrivervalley.com. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Last trout plant was in late November on both the upper and lower parts of the Kern. There are not likely to be more plants in the near term. Fish are still in the upper and lower areas, and the pressure has increased with more anglers reported fishing the area. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Good striper bite on blood worms, sand worms, Rattletraps or pumpkin seed Gitzits. Three to five-pound range, with some big ones reported. Also a good and very odd topwater bite for the stripers. An oddball sturgeon was caught. Dino Garza, pulled out a 21-pound sturgeon on anchovies. The catfish bite is very fair on shad.
HART PARK LAKE: Fair trout bite. DFG trout plant last week.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair trout bite on Power Bait and nightcrawlers with garlic.
RIVER WALK PARK: Fair trout action after plants. DFG trout plant last week.
MING LAKE: Fair to good trout bite. DFG trout plant last week. Some bluegill action also reported.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The trout bite is best with some big fish reported on Power Bait and or nightcrawlers. Steve Mitchell, Bakersfield, pulled out a 16-pound trout. Lance Goss, Bakersfield, had a 15-pounder, while Mike Mercado, Bakersfield, pulled out a 14-pound trout. Bill Garland, Bakersfield, landed a 13-pounder. Mike King, Bakersfield, caught a 12-pounder, and Dick Nelson, Bakersfield, pulled out an eight-pound trout. Good catfish bite with some big fish pulled out this week, too. Call Bob’s Bait for information: 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
SUCCESS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Some better reports from anglers for the crappie. The bite improved to fair. The fish are from 1/2 to a pound with a few slightly over the one pound mark. Striper action is fair to good with the best bite in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or swimbaits. Largemouth bass bite fair around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits and plastic worms. Fair to good catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Slow to fair action trout action for holdovers on salmon eggs or nightcrawlers. Only a few fish from a half to a pound have been caught recently. Fair largemouth bass bite on Brush Hogs, plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have pulled out limits with largemouth from two to three pounds and some smallmouth also starting to show. Decent crappie action on jigs near the river inlet. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Fair to good action for spotties on plastics, jigs, and spoons in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines. Anglers are reporting an abundance of fish caught in the mornings and evenings. Largemouth and smallmouth action fair on plastics and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair white bass bite with more showing recently. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Bluegill and redear bites are slow to fair on crickets or wax and meal worms. Trout bite fair trollers using Needlefish or Kastmasters in 30 to 40 feet. Most fish are from one to two pounds and bait anglers have pulled some out on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Bass bite fair with some action by the dam. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic Johnson Lake.
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Laguna Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-city Lake, Yorba Linda Regional Park Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Diamond Valley Reservoir, Perris Lake, Skinner Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Glen Helen Park Lake, Silverwood Lake, Yucaipa Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Lindo Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, Pine Flat Lake, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam, Woodward Park Lake.
MADERA: Bass Lake, H. V. Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
TULARE: Lake Kaweah, Lake Success.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

By Terrence Berg and Phil Friedman
www.976-TUNA.com

LONG-RANGE ACTION: The long range action remains simply awesome for the 10 to 21-day boats fishing out of San Diego. The yellowfin tuna bite off the Hurricane Bank and other spots off Baja are running huge again this year with 30 to 40 percent of the fish on these trips topping 200 pounds and running to 300 pounds and over. On the run south the skippers are also reported a lot of quality yellowtail at Benitos and Cedros islands, but few are fishing this region right now. This area will start getting tapped starting in February on the shorter six to eight-day trips. For an update on this action, check the latest reports on www.976-tuna.com.
GIANT SQUID SHOWING: The giant squid action has continued consistent over the past week, even through the Santa Ana conditions have made it a little more difficult to get on the Humbolts. The squid are mostly running from 18 to 25 pounds this week with some to 35 pounds. The Seaforth, out of Seaforth Sportfishing in San Diego, was out Tuesday evening with 58 anglers who landed 225 squid.
MEXICAN ROCKFISH: While there is a rockfish fishing closure all along the Southern California coast January and February, a number of San Diego-based boats are making the run into Mexican waters on 3/4-day to two-day rockfish charters. The Holiday was on a special ¾-day trip on Sunday this week with 22 members of the military and they landed 80 rockfish, 40 whitefish, five ling cod, and five sheephead.
LOCAL BASS AND SCULPIN: Local half- and three-quarter boats are focusing on sand bass and sculpin during the rockfish closure and finding generally good action. The best action has been in the Santa Monica Bay with two to three fish per rod average most days and up to five fish on better days.
ISLAND NEWS: There is a decent bass bite at San Clemente, but it’s a pick and finesse fishing. There are white seabass showing at both Catalina and Clemente, but the lack of squid for bait has been hampering this action and keeping fishing pressure focused other places. Ditto for the Channel Islands, which has also been tough. The Cobra was out over the weekend with four anglers at the Channel Islands and they landed four calicos, one sculpin, and 22 perch. Not horrible fishing, but not much to write home about either.
INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA is hosting instructional charters throughout the year, offering advice to beginning or veteran anglers and on-the-water teaching of techniques for different saltwater species. Some of the first trips of the year are two-day island freelance trips aboard the Big Game 90 for white seabass, yellowtail, calico bass and rockfish. The first of these trips leaves April 1, followed by trips on April 26 and May 10. Cost for these trips is $200 per person and they fill up quickly. For more information on upcoming 976-TUNA instructional charters, call 310-328-8426 or go to the website at www.976-TUNA.com.

LANDING CONTACTS

Southern California: Virg's Sportfishing, Morro Bay, 805-772-1222; Patriot Sportfishing, Avila Beach, 805-595-7200; Sea Landing, Santa Barbara, 805-963-3564; Harbor Village Sportfishing, Ventura, 805-658-1060; Channel Islands Sportfishing, Oxnard, 805-985-8511; Captain Hook's Sportfishing, Oxnard, 805-382-6233; Port Hueneme Sportfishing, Hueneme, 805-488-2212; Malibu Pier Sportfishing, 310-328-8426; Marina Del Rey Sportfishing, Marina del Rey, 310-822-3625; Redondo Sportfishing, Redondo Beach, 310-372-2111; Rocky Point Fuel Dock (skiff rentals for King Harbor), Redondo Beach, 310-374-9858; 22nd Street Landing, San Pedro, 310-832-8304; L.A. Harbor Sportfishing, San Pedro, 310-547-9916; Long Beach Sportfishing, Long Beach, 562-432-8993; Pierpoint Landing, Long Beach, 562-983-9300; Marina Sportfishing, Long Beach, 562-598-6649; Newport Landing, Newport Beach, 949-675-0550; Davey's Locker, Newport Beach, 949-673-1434; Dana Wharf Sportfishing, Dana Point, 949-496-5794; Helgren's Sportfishing, Oceanside, 760-722-2133; Fisherman's Landing, San Diego, 619-221-8500; H&M Landing, San Diego, 619-222-1144; Seaforth Landing, San Diego, 619-224-3383; Point Loma Sportfishing, San Diego, 619-223-1627; Islandia Sportfishing, San Diego, 619-222-1164.
Mexico Landings: Sergio's Sportfishing, Ensenada, 011-526-178-2185; San Quintin Sportfishing, San Quintin, 011-526-162-1455.
 

The fish report is copyrighted and any use or reposting of the report, or portions of the report, is prohibited without written permission. Posting of links to the fish report on the Outdoor News Service web site is allowed.

The Cal TIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hotline, is 1-888-DFG-CALTIP. The DFG's Internet web page is located at the following address: www.dfg.ca.gov.

For comprehensive saltwater fishing reports and information visit our companion site: www.976-tuna.com

RECENT BIG CATCHES

Photos are listed by date of catch, not when they are received. If you've recently submitted a photo or heard of a big catch, you might have to scroll down to find the image.

January 10, 2009 - Here are the top three fish from the Glen Helen derby this past week. Listed from top to bottom: Alex Valenzuela, Los Angeles, with his 12-8 trout, Gary Rodriguez, San Bernardino, with a 10-11, and Richard Rivas, Fontana, with a 10-9.
 

January 4, 2009 - Matt Herrera, Vista, with a 4-12 rainbow trout he landed at Wohlford Lake fishing a yellow trout plastic.

December 26, 2008 - Glen Casale, Trabuco Canyon, landed this 14-2 rainbow trout at Irvine Lake the day after Christmas.

December 26, 2008 - Wilton “Big Willie” Mays, Pacoima, caught seven, 10, 11 and 20-pound catfish at Hansen Dam lake fishing mackerel dipped in a home-made attractant.

December 21, 2008 - Stan Santos, Corona, holds up his 20 1/2-pound Mt. Lassen Trout Farms rainbow caught at Corona Lake on an orange Nitro Worm while fishing from a float tube.

December 16, 2008 - Rick Clark, Escondido, landed this 27-pound striper (and two other smaller stripers) while fishing at Lake Skinner with topwater plugs at the inlet.

December 7, 2008 - Cobra Rondeau, Yucaipa, age 12, with a three-pound rainbow trout caught from Yucaipa Regional Park lake.

December 6, 2008 - Aaron Karbowski of Azusa with a three-pound Nebraska Tailwalker caught at Santa Ana River Lakes.

November 29, 2008 - Peter Steinwald, 12, of Upland caught and released this two-pound smallmouth bass -- his first -- while fishing the Coachella Canal south of Indio. He was throwing a spinnerbait.

November 28, 2008 - Brenden Gates of Fullerton shows off his 21 1/2-pound rainbow caught at Santa Ana River Lakes while fishing strawberry Nitro Bait at the boat dock.

November 26, 2008 - Ryan Webb (left) and Allan Cole, the designer of the A.C. Plug, where fishing Lake Mojave the day before Thanksgiving to land 27 striped bass totalling 270 pounds. They are holding up the four biggest fish 28, 26, 20 and 20 pounds. All caught on A.C. Plugs. The pair are from Henderson, Nev.

November 9, 2008 - Stefan Guintoli of San Diego caught this 8-4 trout on spoons in Half Moon Bay of Lake Poway.

October 30, 2008 - Glenn Harwood, Long Beach, caught this nice three-pound rainbow while trolling in Bridgeport Reservoir.

October 30, 2008 - Frank Duarte, Huntington Beach, with his 12.2-pound rainbow trout taken from Irvine Lake's Sierra Cove while fishing a yellow and white mini jig.

October 30, 2008 - Michael Ross, Garden Grove, llimited on rainbows to three pounds and browns to four pounds at Bridgeport Reservoir by slow, slow, slow trolling Rapalas and broken back Rebela (No. 7s in brown and rainbow trout or bright orange).

October 19, 2008 - This almost lake record, 93.40-pound blue catfish, was caught by Michael Williams, National City, on mackerel from Harvey Arm of Lower Otay.

October 11, 2008 - Pam Kalina, Big Bear City, with new Big Bear Lake record bass. The fish weighed 5.9-pounds and Kalina caught the fish on a firetiger Rapala off Juniper Point last week.

October 9, 2008 - Randy Muirhead, Glen Ivy, broke his own lake record for largemouth bass at Corona Lake by catching an 18 1/4-pounder  while fishing a crawdad-colored crankbait from his pontoon float tube.

October 4, 2008 -  Brian Cummings, Inglewood, caught this 23-pound albino catfish at Lower Otay on mackerel from the bouy line.

October 2, 2008 - Don Roberts of Valley Center nailed this 4-pound rainbow on a jig at Lake Sabrina.

September 20, 2008 - Mits Onizuka of Irvine with a 17-pound channel catfish caught on mackerel in the flats at Irvine Lake.

September 8, 2008 - Terrence Berg holds up Patrick Raahauge’s 27-pound yellowfin tuna caught 20 miles off Mission Bay.

September 2, 2008 - This 17-10 largemouth bass was landed at Corona Lake by Randy Muirhead of Glen Ivy setting a new lake record. It is also one of the best bass landed in Southern California this year.

August 22, 2008 - Donavan Swan, Fontana, caught a stringer of catfish totaling 24-8 on mackerel fishing near the boat dock at Santa Ana River Lakes.

August 18, 2008 - Eddie Rodriguez and Freedie Lopez, both of Wilmington, caught this nice bunch of catfish totaling over 27 pounds while fishing with mackerel at Santa Ana River Lakes.

August 9, 2008 - Jeremy Smith of Twentynine Palms caught this 4-pound class bass out of Evans Lake.

July 25, 2008 - Derek "Kid Wiper" Snyder with a seven-pound, six-ounce wiper taken in Lake Elsinore, off Rocky Point. Notice the much larger girth compared to a striped bass.

July 23, 2008 - Adam Cavazos, Menifee, caught this 4-9 largemouth bass near the west dam of Diamond Valley Lake on a crank bait.

June 26, 2008 - Jose Garlejo of Escondido caught this 18-6 blue catfish at Lake Wohlford.

June 26, 2008 - Doug Bader, Orange, with an 11 1/2-pound catfish he caught on mackerel with Nitro Gravy at Santa Ana River Lake while fishing from a boat near Levitz' Corner.
 

June 24, 2008 - Lake Perris gave up these four limits of rainbow trout to trollers, left to right, Bob Camp, Tom Roberts, Paul Ringdahl, and Bob Ghossain, all of Riverside. They were fishing in 30 feet of water at the dam with Needlefish, and the fish went up to 3 1/2 pounds.

June 18, 2008 - Cliff McDonald, Needles, holds a pair of stripers, both in the four-pound range, he caught at Lake Mohave.

June 15, 2008 - Scott Lopez, Indio, landed this striped bass weighing 4.8 pounds fishing a nightcrawler on four-pound test line in the Coachella Canal near Indio.

June 15, 2008 - Dan Doran, Bishop, hauled in a 5-3/4 pound rainbow from Sabrina Lake fishing a Thomas Buoyant.

June 13, 2008 - Adrian Pintor, North Hollywood, nailed this nice 15.6-pound Irvine Lake channel cat on cut mackerel fishing on Santiago Flats.

June 13, 2008 - Gavin Velasco of Poway with 3.5-pound, 3.4-pound, and 2.6-pound trout caught on nightcrawlers off the Lake Poway pier.

June 13, 2008 - Vincent Hunt of Moreno Valley with a 26-8 catfish caught on J.D.'s Catfish Bait near the trees in the south end of Corona Lake.

June 8, 2008 - Alex Benton of Long Beach nailed this 13.06 pound channel catfish on Irvine Lake's Santiago Flats while fishing mackerel.

June 7, 2008 - this 42-pound flathead was caught by Brian Cummings, Inglewood, from the Colorado River - Palo Verde area on a bluegill.

June 7, 2008 - Lee Bell of Bishop caught this 3-3/4 pound rainbow at Lake Sabrina on rainbow Gulp.

June 7, 2008 - Lori Carnahan, Sky Valley, caught this 3 1/4-pound brown trout at Lake Sabrina on a Rapala.

June 6, 2008 - Mike Mills of Poway caught this 1-0 bluegill on a Meal Worm in Hidden Bay at Lake Poway.

May 30, 2008 - Taxidermist Jeff Soto, Riverside, fished Evans Lake (Fairmount Park, Riverside) on Friday morning and caught and released five bass to six pounds in two hours of fishing.